Massive 'Operation Baklas' to be conducted on Feb. 28 — Comelec

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday announced that it will conduct a massive "Operation Baklas" (Operation Dismantle) on February 28 against illegal campaign paraphernalia.

The Comelec, together with various government agencies, will roam around Metro Manila, specifically in the cities of Mandaluyong, San Juan, Caloocan, Valenzuela, and Quezon, to remove all prohibited forms of campaign materials.

The poll body will be aided by personnel from the Philippine National Police, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

Comelec Resolution 10488 states that parties and candidates may post their campaign materials in: authorized common poster areas in public places as plazas, markets, barangay centers and the like where posters may be readily seen or read, and with the heaviest pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic in the city or municipality; and private property, provided that the posting has the consent of the owner thereof.

The size of common poster area for candidates shall not exceed the following dimensions:

a) political parties and party-list groups - 12 feet by 16 feet or its equivalent but not exceeding a total area of 192 square feet

b) independent candidates - four feet by six feet or its equivalent but not exceeding a total area of 24 square feet.

For individual posters allowed in common poster areas, their sizes should not exceed two feet by three feet. — Anna Felicia Bajo/MDM/BAP, GMA News